This Sunday morning, the Vista Fire Department held a Firefighter Skills Class along with a driver training session for members working toward qualification as Apparatus Drivers on Engine 141 and our ambulances.

The “Firefighter Skills Class” focused on reinforcing fundamental firefighter safety principles, department organization, roles and responsibilities, and core operational expectations as outlined in Firefighter I training. The class reviewed the mission of the fire service, chain of command, accountability, situational awareness, use of PPE and SCBA, and the importance of operating within established SOPs and safety standards. Practical discussion emphasized why these fundamentals matter on the fireground, how they apply to real-world emergency responses, and how consistent adherence to them reduces risk to firefighters and the public. This training not only equips our firefighters with the foundational knowledge needed for success in the Firefighter I program, but also helps those who have already completed Firefighter I to maintain and refine their skills.

The Driver Training program is how Vista Fire Department personnel are trained and cleared to operate Fire and EMS apparatus. Members complete several hours of "drive time" behind the wheel of each vehicle before being approved as drivers. The training includes an equipment overview of all apparatus and instruction on operating the pump panel for the fire engines. The program begins with members learning to operate Utility 256, followed by the ambulances, Engine 142, Engine 141, and Tanker 4.

For more information on how to become a member, call (914)-533-2727, email us at Info@VistaFD.org, visit https://www.vistafd.org/content/become/, or apply online here: https://www.vistafd.org/apply.